The Porsche Faster Than F1

The script discusses the remarkable engineering feat of the Porsche 919 Evo, which shattered a 35-year Nurburgring lap record previously held by the Porsche 956. The car was made over 12 seconds faster at Spa, an 11% improvement, showcasing the ingenuity of Porsche's engineers. The 919 Evo project aimed to push the car to its limits, and the script mentions an interview with the technical Project Lead, Steven Mitas, who reveals the strategies and innovations behind the car's success. The Porsche 919 Evo also outperformed contemporary F1 cars, highlighting its exceptional performance.

This paragraph outlines the timeline and development process of the Porsche 919 Evo. The project began in September 2017 with a goal to create an unrestricted version of the car by November. Despite limited time and budget, the team managed to test the car at various stages, including at the Porsche proving ground and a three-day test at Spa, where they unofficially broke the lap record. The team's approach focused on achieving quick results and minimizing risks, targeting 'low hanging fruit' and avoiding potential problems that could jeopardize the project's success.

The script delves into the specific engineering changes made to the Porsche 919 Evo to achieve its record-breaking performance. The team focused on aerodynamics, increasing downforce without adding drag, by redesigning the front and rear diffusers, skirts, active aerodynamics, and rear wing. The car's aerodynamic efficiency was further enhanced by the use of a movable front diffuser and rear wing DRS system. These innovations allowed the 919 Evo to generate more downforce than the original race car, even in 'low downforce mode,' while also addressing structural integrity concerns.

The paragraph discusses the powertrain modifications and weight reduction strategies employed by Porsche to enhance the 919 Evo's performance. The team improved the existing V4 turbocharged hybrid system to produce 1160 horsepower by removing fuel flow restrictions and optimizing the electric machine's power output. Weight reduction was achieved by removing unnecessary components such as side mirrors, headlights, tail lights, and race-specific systems, resulting in a 50 kg weight saving. These changes allowed the 919 Evo to be faster and more agile on the track.

This section highlights the advanced suspension and braking systems used in the Porsche 919 Evo. The car featured interconnected front and rear suspension, which helped maintain consistent aerodynamics and pitch. To manage the increased downforce, the team added a device to control the front ride height, allowing for better weight distribution and aerodynamics. The braking system was also upgraded to a four-wheel brake-by-wire system, which provided individual wheel control, similar to ABS, and enhanced stability and traction, especially on bumpy tracks like the Nordschleife.

The final paragraph reflects on the extraordinary nature of the Porsche 919 Evo project and its significance in the world of motorsports. The project allowed engineers to push boundaries and create a car that was not only faster but also a showcase of technological innovation. The script shares insights from Steven Mitas, the technical Project Lead, who expresses his enthusiasm for the project. The Porsche 919 Evo stands as a testament to what can be achieved when engineers are given the freedom to innovate without the constraints of racing regulations.